A total of 83 projects in nine award categories competed: biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, environment, mathematics, medicine, physics, and humanities. The winners were honored at the awards ceremony at the premises of the Bethlehem Chapel.
The Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic organized press conference on the occasion of
awards ceremony of the 25th EUCYS which took place on Tuesday September 24, 2013 at the premises of
the Bethlehem Chapel. The press conference was attended by the President of the Academy of Sciences
- Prof. Jiri Drahos, chief manager of EUCYS 2013 - Dr. Katerina Sobotkova, Minister of Education,
Youth and Sports - Prof. Dalibor Stys, member of the Cabinet of the European Commissioner for
Research and Development - Patricia Reilly, President of the Contest Jury of EUCYS 2013 - Dr.
Henrik Aronsson, representative of the European Commission - Karen Slavin and above all by the
winners of the 25th EUCYS.
Winners of the 25th European Union Contest for Young Scientists by awards:
1st prize and Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar
Winner: Frederick Edward Turner
Country: United Kingdom
Project title: Genetics at home: Building a PCR machine and other equipment for
setting up a home genetics lab
Scientific Field: Engineering
In this project the contestant designed and built and low cost PCR machine. This device is
one of the cornerstones of molecular biology; it allows specific regions of DNA to be amplified
facilitating analysis. In designing the biotechnology device the contestant solved several
significant electrical and mechanical engineering problems. In particular he found an excellent
solution to the problem of cycling the temperature of the samples rapidly and accurately. The
device costs a small fraction of the price of professional machine. He proved the efficacy of his
process by testing his family members for the red hair gene.
1st prize and Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar
Winner:
Perttu Aku Anttoni Pölönen
Country: Finland
Project title: Music A' Clock
Scientific Field: Social sciences
This brilliant project demonstrates a deep understanding of music theory, and manages to translate that into a sophisticated low-tech device for teaching music intuitively and allows students. The versatility of the tool that Perttu developed is impressive, allowing, as it does, use in musical pedagogy for several instruments -- with more to come. Beside the technical expertise, the jury was also impressed by Perttu's enthusiasm and engagement in developing the musical clock.
1st prize and London International Youth Science Forum
Winner:
Ciara Elizabeth Judge, Emer Frances Hickey, Sophie Healy-Thow
Country: Ireland
Project title: A statistical investigation of the effects of diazotroph bacteria
on plant germination
Scientific Field: Biology
Rhizobium bacteria establish natural symbiotic relations with legume plants, fixing nitrogen. In this project, three very young scientists provide solid scientific proof that the addition of Rhizobium bacteria to seeds of non-legume plants significantly accelerates the rate of germination hence potentially increasing yields of valuable crops. Most of the experiments were performed at home, and incubators, agitators and a transfer chamber were ingeniously designed by these enthusiastic girls.
Internation Cooperation Prize
Winner:
Jessie MacAlpine
Country: Canada
Project title: Mustard Oil as an Apicomplexan-targeting Drug Therapy for
Plasmodium falciparum
Scientific Field: Medicine
The International Cooperation Prize goes this year to Jessie MacAlpine. Jessie comes from
Canada and she is trying to find a way how to cure malaria – disease killing millions of people
every year. Jessie has found that mustard oil – widely used for cooking – inhibits the growth of
the parasite called Plasmodium – the cause of malaria. It might be that in the near future the
systematic work of Jessie on the inexpensive and widely accessible treatment will save lives and
prevent suffering of millions.
A complete list of winners has been published on the website www.eucys2013.cz .
EUCYS 2013 welcomed in Prague the best talented scientists, winners of national contests who
competed in several rounds. The Contest jury, consisting of eighteen scientific experts from across
Europe, assessed student research projects during the exhibition across several rounds.
Thanks to the media campaign, “Věda jede!” which accompanied the contest, the general public
became aware of the science show. From September 21 – 23, 2013 over 3.000 visitors visited the
Exhibition Grounds in Holešovice. Many pupils, students and teachers, as well as many parents with
their children enjoyed visiting stands of exhibitors of scientific and educational institutions
from across the Czech Republic. Visitors were attracted by various scientific exhibits, experiments
with liquid nitrogen, culinary experiences of molecular bar and many other curiosities. There was
even the chance to meet the contestants.
The farewell party for young scientists will take place at the club SaSaZu where they will
have the opportunity to enjoy impressive laser show. We believe that not only the winners but all
the contestants, the Contest jury, the European Commission and visitors of the contest formed many
lasting memories at the jubilee 25th EUCYS 2013 which was simply unforgettable.
Chief Manager EUCYS 2013
PhDr. Kateřina Sobotková
E-mail:
sobotkova@ssc.cas.cz
Tel.: +420 221 403 852
Press Office
E-mail:
press@eucys2013.cz
Web:
www.eucys2013.cz
25 Sep 2013
